RALEIGH -- The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. And as we look to raise money and to find a cure, it's only appropriate to turn to the leaders of the future.
We go In Depth with Kate McGinn, the senior campaign manager for the North Carolina Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Student of the Year program.
The youth empowerment program allows students to utilize and strengthen their leadership, team management and communication skills while competing to earn a $2,500 scholarship to college. Unlike other fundraising, this is not a school-wide or class-wide activity. This is an individual opportunity for students to elevate themselves through leadership and philanthropy.
The funds raised will go toward their mission to cure blood cancers and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Last year alone, LLS invested approximately $67.2 million in cutting-edge research, and LLS currently has research commitments of $2.59 million in place locally at Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of North Carolina Hospitals.
Last year this program was done in 16 cities across the U.S., and high school students in those cities raised more than $2 million for cancer research. The group has extended the deadline to apply or nominate a student. To learn how, visit their website.